Festival of The Arts Celebrates Spring

story and photo by
Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Experience the unique charm of the free 59th Annual Festival of the Arts, a four-day celebration of original visual art, performing, and culinary arts. Held from April 24 to 27 in downtown Oklahoma City at Bicentennial Park, this event is a testament to the enduring love of Oklahoma City’s art volunteers for the arts and culture.
The Oklahoma City Arts Council’s tradition, celebrated since 1967, is a community-driven event. It runs Thursday through Sunday, showcasing the community’s creative talents and fostering a sense of togetherness. This long-standing tradition is a testament to our community’s enduring love for arts and culture.
“The Festival of the Arts is a tradition that has become an essential part of Oklahoma City’s cultural fabric,” said Angela Cozby, Arts Council Oklahoma City executive director. “This year, we’re thrilled to introduce new features, such as a Creators Collective and the Emerging Artist Tent, designed to showcase more of Oklahoma’s creative talent.”
A myriad of art forms take over the park, with booths showcasing 144 artists from across America, including 72 new artists making their festival debut. It has been ranked as one of the Top 25 Fine Arts Festivals in the United States, always offering original collectible fine art. The sheer diversity and talent on display, from traditional to contemporary, promise an exciting and enriching experience for all art enthusiasts.
This year’s Festival will introduce two new features. A Creators Collective at the NE corner of OKC’s City Hall will feature a curated selection of local makers and creators. This new space will showcase handmade goods, locally produced foods, and creative artistry from around Oklahoma.
An Emerging Artist Tent will provide a platform for up-and-coming artists to showcase their talents, with the audience actively supporting the next generation of artists in Oklahoma City. This is a unique opportunity to witness the birth of new artistic voices and be part of their journey.
On Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the “Young at Art Mart” is a one-day juried art sale on the east lawn of City Hall, featuring the creations of children ages 8 – 18.
“The Creators Collective and Emerging Artist Tent are designed to highlight our community’s diverse and creative talents. These additions will offer a truly unique experience for Festival visitors,” said 2025 Festival Co-Chair Meg Salyer.
Visual artists and performers take to the outdoor stage every hour, making this massive festival arguably the largest Spring art event each year. More than 100 local performers offer an array of musical performances, dance, and theater throughout the event. The organizers kindly request that visitors leave their pets at home.
The event features an International Food Row, showcasing 30 food booths, food trucks, and a diverse range of cuisine options to suit all tastes, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
The Angels & Friends Celebration preview kicks off the Festival from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. This $100 a ticket VIP event offers an exclusive opportunity before the public opening and supports the Arts Council Oklahoma City’s mission. It features live music, food, drinks, and raffle prizes, including a $2,500 gift card for Festival art.
Children visiting the festival can enjoy interactive activities, including the Children’s Art Field, Pottery Place, and face painting. This offering takes over the area surrounding City Hall for a day of family fun and activities. The Youth Art Sale, featuring sculptures and paintings, is always an impressive example of what art students have learned. This one-day event, also known as “Young at Art Mart,” will be located on the east lawn of City Hall from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday.
The Festival is requesting that seniors get involved as volunteers. Needing 2,000 volunteers to bring it to life, Arts Council Oklahoma City is inviting community members to join the team.
“Volunteers are the backbone of Festival of the Arts, and without their dedication, this event wouldn’t be possible,” said 2025 Festival Co-Chair Gus Pekara. “Whether you’re helping with event setup, assisting artists, or guiding visitors, there’s a volunteer role for everyone.”
They ask volunteers to share their interests online so they can find volunteer opportunities that align with their interests. For more information, visit the Festival of the Arts – Arts Council Oklahoma City.